We learned this is because the animals may have been exposed with distemper, which is a virus with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, loss of appetite and labored breathing.

They are currently running tests on the animals to find out if they have it so they can be treated.

The shelter said distemper is very contagious for animals and the disease can even be transmitted through hair and clothing of the pet owner. "If you take that home and your dog isn't vaccinated, it's a good bet you're going to pass that along to them," said Chris Bennett, Assistant Chief at the Smyth County Animal Shelter.

Shelter representatives told us everyone should make sure their pets are vaccinated.